Dale Steele, a Hall of Fame member and former head coach of Campbell University's football program, passed away on July 19 at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer. His death marks the end of a 45‑year journey that began in 1977 and reshaped the landscape of college football at the FCS level.
Steele arrived at Campbell in 2006 as the university's first dedicated head coach, tasked with building a program from scratch. Within five years he guided the team to its first winning season, achieved back‑to‑back NCAA FCS national championships, and led the program to five consecutive winning records, including a historic five‑game winning streak in 2011.
Beyond the field, Steele left an indelible mark on student‑athletes and the broader community. He mentored 33 All‑Pioneer Football League performers, oversaw 192 Academic Honor Roll selections, and helped the team dominate the Pioneer Football League in rushing for three straight years from 2009 to 2011.
A Family Man and Community Pillar
Steele is survived by his wife Pam, two daughters, several granddaughters, his mother, brothers, and a niece. Close friends and extended family, including Meghan Penny, Ben Penny, Kelsey Hearrell, Tony Hearrell, Emery Penny, Fenley Hearrell, Margaret Steele, Kevin Steele, Linda Steele, Jeffrey Steele, Gordon Steele, Melissa Steele, Caroline Steele, and his longtime colleague Hannah Bazemore, have shared heartfelt tributes to his character and generosity.
A funeral service will be held on August 1 at Campbell University, where colleagues and former players will gather to celebrate his life. The ceremony will reflect on his contributions both as a coach and as a mentor who shaped countless lives.
Voices of Loss and Legacy
Campbell Director of Athletics Hannah Bazemore described Steele as "a giant whose impact was immeasurable," emphasizing that his integrity and dedication transcended the sport. Head coach Braxton Harris echoed the sentiment, noting Steele's "vision, passion, and significant impact on the university" as a guiding force for the program's future.
Steele's professional journey began in 1977 and spanned over four decades, during which he served on the NCAA Football Issues Committee, the FCS Coaches Poll, and the All‑America selection committee. He also participated in five bowl games and contributed to back‑to‑back NCAA FCS national championships, underscoring his influence across the collegiate football ecosystem.
After retiring, Steele remained engaged with the sport as an advisory figure and host for the Myrtle Beach Bowl, continuing to give back to the community that shaped his career. In 2025 he established the Steele Family endowed scholarship and received the Orange Tie Award, further cementing his commitment to student success.
His legacy is celebrated not only for on‑field achievements but also for the values he instilled — hard work, honesty, and a deep respect for fellow competitors. Institutions such as the University of South Carolina, Ball State, East Carolina, James Madison, and the American Football Coaches Association recognize his contributions to the broader football community.